How Do You Get Over A Cake Disaster?

Just had a cake disaster over the weekend. Still having major trouble shaking it from my mind. I keep replaying what happened and how I wish I had a redo. What are the things you all do to move forward and keep focused?

Brush yourself off, get back on the horse, and try not to do it again. We are not perfect. And although I think the number one value of CC to me is the ability to learn from others' mistakes and words of wisdom, even with the best laid plans, one day, something will happen. I think CC has not only taught me avoidance of those situations, but to have an alternative plan for various situations.

For example, if you ruin a cake at the last minute, know every place in your area where you can purchase an alternative. It may be a small cutting cake and a dessert bar, but know you can feed x amount of people on no notice. A network of other bakeries and what they usually have on hand will also help in a jam. That backup plan will help you get through the crisis, no matter how bad you feel at the time. At least you have a working plan and you won't panic or let down a few hundred guests.

Centuries ago, they say that trifle was invented for leftover cake, but maybe it was a cake mishap that started the dessert. This is one of my plans. If your cake is boxed and safe and happens to get destroyed on the way, owning a huge punch bowl, stopping at a store and getting fresh fruit and maybe some cognac and whipped cream will save the day. You may owe a full refund, but the guests will be very happy.

Personally, I had one a couple of days ago, it got me stuck at home for 2 whole days without the desire to talk or interact with anyone. However, the more I think about what happened, the more I learn my lesson and KNOW what I should've done and what I shouldn't have. I know that walking this road means that many accidents will happen and that I should be prepared for it, but as I'm still new to cake decoration I'm very sensitive to everything that has to do with my cakes.

I keep telling myself that some lessons will only be learnt the Hard Way :"(

Cake disasters suck, and they happen to all of us. Think back on how you could have prevented it, and try to not repeat your mistake. Apologize profusely to the client, and refund any money,and move on.

I had a major disaster for a friend's daughter's birthday. Luckily for me, I am not a business, so I didn't have to worry about a refund (it was free), but I felt horrible. Her dad had a huge party with a band and everything, and the cake was supposed to be a major center piece, since she has never had a big specialty cake before. Well, on my way down the street for delivery it took a tumble. The bottom layer was crushed and the middle was a little cracked. I was so upset, mortified, and felt horribly bad for the sweet little girl that was looking forward to my cake. But, I picked the cake up, went back home, salvaged as much as I could, changed my design, and presented a somewhat presentable cake. She was still thrilled and was so sweet about it. It still had the basic concept, but was as grand as I had hoped. I spent 2 days designing this cake, and cut a vacation short so I could do it. UUUGGGGGG!!!! Heartbreaking!!!! And it was perfect before I left the house.

I learned my lesson, never think, "It should be ok." Think, "I better make sure it will be ok. And just o be on the safe side, I will......"

So all in all, you pick yourself up, put your big girl britches on, and carry on. One of my mottos in life is "Adapt and Overcome!"

Hugs to you, and know, we have all been there. And if we haven't, we will be one day!!!!!

Just had a cake disaster over the weekend. Still having major trouble shaking it from my mind. I keep replaying what happened and how I wish I had a redo. What are the things you all do to move forward and keep focused?

THanks!

Don't dwell on it. Nothing good can come of it. It is what it is and you didn't do anything wrong intentionally. Doesn't make sense to worry about something that is done and you have no control over.

It's so painful, but all you can do is move on, like other posters have said. I'm only a hobby baker, but cake disasters still really hurt. My biggest one was for my daughter's birthday. The cake design was just too advanced for my skill set (had only worked with fondant twice before) and just did not turn out nicely, and of course I had a house full of friends and family to witness the disaster. I am a confident baker, but a VERY amateur decorator (at best!). I learned my lesson from that experience, and have stuck to buttercream ever since! I do plan on practicing my fondant skills again at some point though. But it took awhile for me to get over that experience. It was a real blow to my confidence.